Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act was enacted into law to provide benefits to employees injured at work or suffering from a work-related illness. In this way, injured workers are provided medical treatment and protected from financial hardship. A Pennsylvania workers’ comp lawyer can help an injured employee obtain the benefits they deserve if their claim is denied or they have other problems.
Who Is Covered Under Workers’ Comp in Pennsylvania?
Most Pennsylvania employers must provide workers’ compensation coverage to their employees. Not only full-time employees but part-timers, temporary and seasonal workers are covered. Others, such as domestic workers or independent contractors, are not covered. Because some industries have different coverage requirements, all employees need to find out whether this benefit is provided to them.
Filing Your Claim for Compensation
You should report it to your employee immediately when you’ve been injured or developed a work-related illness. This report should be written and include the details of when and where it happened. Your employer will give you a list of healthcare providers that have been approved. You could be liable for the cost if you see a physician not on that list.
After seeing the physician, you can claim to recover workers’ compensation benefits. A form is submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, where it will either be approved or denied. Should it be denied, you have the right to appeal. The time limit to file in Pennsylvania is three years, however, it can be a long process for some injuries or illnesses to be discovered.
What Benefits Are Provided Under Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation?
Upon the approval of your claim, you may be entitled to the following benefits:
- Cost of medical care: Your workers’ comp covers all medical treatment that is related to your illness or work injury.
- Wage compensation: If your injury continues for over a week and you cannot work, you can receive two-thirds of your weekly wages, which are averaged.
- Body parts: If you permanently lost the ability to use a body part caused by your accident injury, you might receive benefits. The length of time and amount depends on the affected body part.
- Death benefits: If a worker dies because of an illness or injury caused by their job, the family may recover death benefits.
Receiving Help From a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Applying for and receiving workers’ comp benefits can be overwhelming and complicated, especially when battling an illness or injury. A lawyer who handles workers’ comp cases can make the process easier by handling it for you so that you can concentrate on your health.
Ways in Which a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Can Assist You
A lawyer who specializes in workers’ comp cases can:
- Make sure your injury/illness claim is filed on time and completed correctly
- Gather evidence that supports your claim, such as witness statements and medical records
- Negotiate for you with the insurance company
- Handle an appeal if your claim is refused
- Advise you on how to obtain the maximum benefits
- Represent you at court if necessary
The Travis Law Firm: Workers’ Comp Claims
The Travis Law Firm can provide valuable assistance if you have problems with your workers’ comp claim or if it has been denied. We work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure you receive the medical treatment and financial compensation you need for your recovery. You can reach us by phone at (814) 277-2222 for a free case review, or you can connect with us online.